Watch Crude

Crude is a hard-hitting documentary that delves into the ecological and social impact of modern oil drilling practices in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador. The film is directed by Joe Berlinger, who is best known for his documentary work on the West Memphis Three case in the Paradise Lost trilogy. The movie focuses on the experiences of the indigenous people of Ecuador who have been affected by the oil industry's practices. It also explores the legal battle between Chevron Corporation and the indigenous communities who claim that Chevron was responsible for the environmental destruction of their homes.

The movie opens with a scenic view of the rainforest and a voiceover of an indigenous person, who speaks about the beauty and importance of the Amazon rainforest. However, the tone quickly becomes serious as the filmmaker introduces the audience to the environmental and social destruction that has been caused by oil extraction.

The first half of the movie provides a detailed look at the oil industry's activities in Ecuador. It follows the attempts of a group of indigenous people from the contaminated Lago Agrio region to hold Chevron accountable for the pollution of their land, rivers, and people. The film provides witness statements of polluted rivers, oil-covered landscapes, and sick children to show the effects of oil drilling.

The documentary also highlights the human cost of oil drilling, showing how the communities have been decimated by the industry's operations. The filmmakers interview relatives of victims, people who have had cancer, and those who have died from exposure to toxic chemicals. The film also sheds light on the situations of the people who live near the oil fields and the difficulties they face in finding clean water, transportation, medical care, and other basic necessities.

The second half of the documentary focuses on the legal and political battle fought by the indigenous people against Chevron. Through interviews with lawyers, activists, and investigators, the film highlights the obstacles that have been faced by the indigenous people in their pursuit of justice.

The documentary doesn't take a partisan stance nor does it offer any easy solutions. The story is presented in a balanced way, detailing the concerns voiced on both sides of the issue. The film offers a unique look at the intricate details of the global oil industry and the impact it can have on the world's poorer communities.

Overall, Crude is a sobering and eye-opening exposé of the ecological and social costs of modern-day oil extraction. It gives a voice to the indigenous people who have been impacted the most by the oil industry's activities and highlights the injustices that they have encountered while trying to seek redress. It is a film that will appeal to anyone who is interested in environmental issues, oil politics, and social justice. The documentary is well-crafted and provides an important glimpse into the realities of oil drilling and its impact on local communities.

Crude is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.